Dave Douglas moved out to Silicon Valley 20 years ago to apply his entrepreneurial talents and business skills. He rose up the ranks from electronic engineer to become president and CEO of Valid, his first high-tech company founded in 1994.

After a few successful start-ups, Dave joined the professional services company Scient/iXL in 1999 as senior vice president, directing the firm's 3,500 employees in the area of globalization business strategy. His responsibilities included the development of e-commerce strategies for Fortune 500 companies such as British Airways, Coca Cola and GE. With success came the financial rewards but little time to enjoy them. So after 20 years in the professional world, Dave decided to relax and hang up his corporate hat; taking to the road for a little adventure.

In 2001, he began a 2.5-year sabbatical to explore Asia, Eastern Europe and South America. During his journey, Dave developed a deep appreciation for the culture, people and beauty of places such as Cuba, Czech Republic, Bhutan, Laos and Thailand. His famously friendly nature and somewhat dubious guitar-playing skills helped Dave make some incredible travel contacts along the way which he shares generously with fellow Off-the-Rails travelers.

Meet John Carr